Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday February 12 that Iran has begun turning some of its 20-percent-enriched uranium into fuel

Ramin Mehmanparast

Iran reports that Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said on Tuesday February 12 that the transformation of 20-percent-enriched uranium into fuel for Tehran's research reactor is in progress, and all of the necessary reports have already been provided to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Enriched uranium can be used to create nuclear weapons, and one of the main disputes over Iran's nuclear program is the production of enriched uranium. Iran, however, says the process is necessary to provide fuel for its nuclear research reactor in Tehran.

Israel had raised alarm over the stockpiling of 20-percent-enriched uranium in Iran.

Ramin Mehmanparast said at his press conference today: "The Tehran research reactor, which produces medical isotopes, was in need of fuel, and we had asked the IAEA to deliver to us the necessary fuel."

"In the absence of a positive response," Mehmanparast went on, "we began providing for our own needs with our own experts, enriching uranium and transforming it into fuel."

Tehran Research Reactor

Iran has repeatedly condemned the possession and use of nuclear weaponry, which Mehmanparast reiterated today, saying: "We have to reach a point where no country engages in nuclear military activities and all nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction are eliminated and instead all countries can enjoy the right to exploit nuclear technology for peaceful purposes."